March

Grand Canyon - ***
I know I saw this back in its original release, but remembered very little. Kevin Kline gives a fantastic subtle performance. I highly recommend if you haven't seen this and also worth a re-screening if you had seen it years ago.

Clash of the Titans (2010) - **
This is one of those films that's not great and not bad. Total popcorn movie but without the camp of the original. Maybe the original wasn't supposed to be? Perhaps this will appear campy 20 years from now?

The Hurt Locker - ***
I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd hoped, but still great filmmaking and Jeremy Renner is fantastic (as he always seems to be).

Manhattan - ***1/2
Still a classic. Mariel Hemingway is so great (and only 16 years-old when filming!) and much deserved her supporting actress Oscar nomination. A wonderful score by Gershwin and gorgeous black and white cinematography by Gordon Willis give New York a timeless look and feel. It's the New York we want to exist but probably never has.

Knight and Day - **
I've never really been a fan of Cameron Diaz, with the exception being the first film I saw her in her feature film debut , "The Mask." I absolutely loathed her in "Vanilla Sky" and said at the time she and Cruise had zero chemistry so I was surprised when I learned they were doing another film together. The action sequences are good here and Cruise is fine in another action role but I really wish he'd take better parts than this. He's a far better actor than most people, even himself, give him credit for. Do something outside the box, Tom -- call Kevin Smith and discuss some ideas.

The Fisher King - ***1/2
I saw this about 20 some years ago and didn't remember much about it and was glad I revisited this film. It's amazing!!! Amanda Plummer stole my heart and the entire cast does a tremendous job. A wonderfully imaginative film and perfect for Robin Williams.

Rebel Without A Cause - ***
Well made classic. It's easy to see it as formulaic now, but it's the "Citizen Kane" of the troubled teen drama.

East of Eden - ***1/2
I enjoyed this more than 'Rebel' as it really showed the potential James Dean had. Beautifully photographed and terrific direction by Elia Kazan. I'll probably revisit this film soon.

Real Steel - **1/2
The premise is pretty high-concept (life-size Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots in boxing matches controlled by humans) but Hugh Jackman brings a warmth to the film and nearly gets away with reminding me he's not Wolverine. Nearly.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - ***
I screened this and Part 1 after a marathon of 'Potter' films and I can't quite remember which is which. I know all the films were faithful adaptations to their novels, but by having director David Yates do the last four of the eight films, they tended to blend together. As much as the intention was consistency in vision, I miss the spark of originality which makes Alfonso Cuarón's 'Prisoner of Azkaban' stand out.

Green Lantern - *
I can't believe this was as awful as I'd heard it was. Wow. I will say that Mark Strong stood out as did a brunette Blake Lively but, likable and talented as Ryan Reynolds is, he's miscast here.

Kung Fu Panda 2 - ***
I know I liked it, but I've already forgotten most of this film which makes no sense. It happens when I watch four or five in a row.

Burn After Reading - ***
Classic Coen Brothers! Brad Pitt is ridiculously fantastic here. How did he get so much attention and nominations for "Moneyball" and so very few for this role? The entire cast does a great job and I really love Clooney in a Coen film.

Drive - ***
I was totally surprised at how much I liked this film. Great score, awesome performance by Ryan Gosling and cast. As much as I like Albert Brooks and appreciate his taking on this role, it didn't seem all that stand-out-ish. I know he's a good actor but the role was a bit stereotypical. The film is very 80's noir and has a feel all its own. If you're in the mood for something different, this is a great choice. Totally under appreciated.

Hook - **
I got sucked into this when I just wanted to take a peak at it in HD on Netflix. I remember being so disappointed upon initially seeing this upon its release. Williams tries too hard, Hoffman is so over the top he's nearly come round again. Charlie Korsmo is fine and John Williams's score is top-notch. Too bad the entire film isn't. My friend Rob penned the saying, "Everyone has their "Hook" which means that even great people fail miserably sometimes, particularly filmmaker's.